Poolside goal system

ABSTRACT

A poolside goal system may allow various games or sports, such as basketball or volleyball, to be played in a swimming pool. For example, the poolside goal system may include a base, a goal support, a basketball goal assembly and volleyball net assembly. The basketball goal assembly is preferably movable between a first position in which basketball can be played and a second position which allows volleyball to be played. Advantageously, the basketball goal assembly may be configured to counterbalance forces applied to the volleyball net assembly. The poolside goal system may also include a wheel assembly to allow the system to be readily moved, or the goal system may be permanently secured in a fixed position. The poolside goal system, however, does not have to be used in connection with a swimming pool and it could be used in other environments or situations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/501,510, entitled POOLSIDE GOAL SUPPORT,which was filed on Sep. 9, 2003, and this application claims priority toand the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.60/515,764, entitled POOLSIDE GOAL SUPPORT, which was filed on Oct. 30,2003, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a goal system and, inparticular, to a poolside goal system.

2. Description of Related Art

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the United States andthroughout the world. The popularity of basketball is so widespread thatit is even played in swimming pools. The popularity of playingbasketball in a swimming pool has given rise to the development ofpoolside basketball systems. Disadvantageously, conventional poolsidebasketball systems may require installation of obstructive, permanentfacilities or structures, and conventional poolside basketball systemsmay require substantial modifications to existing facilities orstructures.

Volleyball is also a very popular sport, which has given rise to thedevelopment of poolside volleyball systems. Disadvantageously,conventional poolside volleyball systems may require installation ofobstructive, permanent facilities or structures, and conventionalpoolside volleyball systems may require substantial modifications toexisting facilities or structures. Known poolside volleyball systems mayalso be temporary structures that are only used when volleyball is beingplayed in a swimming pool. Unfortunately, many conventional poolsidevolleyball systems do not securely support the volleyball net and if anexcessive force is applied to the net, the net may collapsed and/orportions of the volleyball system may be pulled into the pool. Inaddition, many conventional poolside volleyball systems may allow thenet to break or otherwise be damaged if excessive force is applied tothe net.

SUMMARY

A need therefore exists for a poolside goal system that eliminates theabove-described disadvantages and problems.

One aspect of an exemplary embodiment is a poolside goal system that maybe used to play basketball in a swimming pool. For example, the poolsidegoal system may include a basketball rim, net and backboard tofacilitate shooting a basketball and playing basketball in a swimmingpool. Of course, because the game is being played in a swimming pool, aconventional basketball may not be used and other suitable type of ballsmay be used. In addition, because the game is being played in a swimmingpool, the poolside goal system may have different sizes, characteristicsand the like than a conventional basketball system. In particular, thepoolside goal system may have different heights and dimensions to allow,for example, a ball to be more easily shot at the basketball while in aswimming pool.

Another aspect is a poolside goal system that may be used to playvolleyball or other games that use a net. For example, the poolside goalsystem may be used to support a net or other type of structure to allowvolleyball or other games to be played in a swimming pool. Inparticular, the poolside goal system may include two support structuresthat are placed on opposing sides or ends of a pool to support the net.On the other hand, the poolside goal system may include only a singlesupport structure and the other end of the net may be connected toanother structure such as a wall or pole.

A further aspect is a poolside goal system that may allow one or moregames to be played. For example, the poolside goal system may include abasketball rim, net and/or backboard to allow basketball to be played.The poolside goal system may also allow a net or other structure to besupported so that games such as volleyball may be played. Thus, thepoolside goal system may allow two or more different games or sports tobe played.

Another aspect is a poolside goal system that may include a base, a goalsupport, and a basketball goal assembly. The basketball goal assemblymay include, for example, a backboard and rim. Advantageously, theheight of the basketball goal assembly may be varied, if desired. Thismay allow, for example, persons of different skills, ages and abilitiesto play basketball. In addition, the basketball goal assembly mayinclude a pivotal or movable type rim, such as a break-away rim, toallow forces applied to the rim to be absorbed. Further, the position ofthe basketball goal assembly may be adjusted or moved to suit thedesires of the user. For instance, the basketball goal assembly may havea first position to facilitate playing basketball and a second positionwhen basketball is not being played. This second position may allow thegoal system to be more easily moved and/or stored. This second positionmay also allow other sports to be played, such as volleyball or otheractivities.

Still another aspect is a poolside goal system that may include astructure that allows a net to be attached to the goal system. Forexample, the goal system may include a net assembly that allows a net tobe readily attached. This may allow games such as volleyball to beplayed. Preferably, the poolside goal system includes both the structurethat allows a net to be readily attached and a basketball goal assemblyso that the goal system may be used to play multiple games or sports,such as basketball and volleyball. Advantageously, the poolside goalsystem could also be used in connection with other sports that utilize anet and/or backboard.

Yet another aspect is a poolside goal system may include a base, asupport structure, and a basketball goal assembly connected to thesupport structure. The support structure may include a plurality ofsupport members that are interconnected. For example, the supportstructure may include a first support member that is connected to thebase and a second support member that is connected to the basketballgoal assembly. Desirably, the first and second support members can beconnected in various positions to allow the basketball goal assembly tobe connected in various positions relative to the base. This mayfacilitate positioning the basketball goal assembly in a variety ofpositions to suit a user's particular purpose. A bushing, or othersuitable structure, may be used to connect the support members. Inaddition, one or more of the support members may include engagingmembers, which may be sized and configured to selectively secure thesupport members in a desired position,

A further aspect is a poolside goal system may include a base, a supportstructure and a basketball goal assembly. The basketball goal assemblymay be movably connected to the support structure, which may facilitatepositioning the basketball goal assembly in a variety of positions tosuit a user's purposes. For example, the basketball goal assembly may bepivotally attached to the support structure.

A still further aspect is a poolside goal system that may include abase, a support structure and a net assembly that is sized andconfigured to be attached to a net. Advantageously, the net assembly maybe directly or indirectly connected to a basketball goal assembly.Significantly, the basketball goal assembly may be used tocounterbalance forces applied to the net assembly. This may create, forexample, a relatively stable poolside goal system and it may helpprevent damage to the net and/or net assembly.

Another aspect is a volleyball system that may include a first supportstructure, a second support structure, and a volleyball net that isconnected to the first and second support structures. The volleyball netmay be connected to the support structures by one or more straps andbuckles. Advantageously, the volleyball system may be used in connectionwith a swimming pool to allow volleyball to be played in a swimmingpool. The volleyball system may also be used outdoors and in otherenvironments to allow volleyball to be played on surfaces such as sand,grass, cement, pavement and hardwood courts.

Still another aspect is a poolside goal system that may be used inconnection with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly may include oneor more anchors and one or more anchor lines. Advantageously, the anchorassembly may help secure the poolside goal system in a desired positionand/or location.

Yet another aspect is a poolside goal system that may include a basewith a hollow interior portion that provides for a relativelylightweight assembly. The base may include a removable fill/drain plugthat allows the hollow interior portion to be filled with ballast suchas water. When the hollow portion of the base is filled with ballast,the stability of the goal system may be enhanced.

A further aspect is a poolside goal assembly that may include abasketball goal assembly with a backboard. The backboard is preferablyconstructed from blow-molded plastic, but other materials with suitablecharacteristics could be used to construct the backboard. Theblow-molded plastic backboard may advantageously be formed as anintegral, one-piece structure. The blow-molded plastic backboard mayalso include one or more depressions formed in the backboard and thedepressions may be sized and configured to increase the strength andrigidity of the backboard.

A still further aspect is a poolside goal system that may include awheel assembly to facilitate movement of the goal system. The wheelassembly may include one or more wheels, rollers, casters, sliders orthe like that are sized and configured to allow the goal system to bemoved from one location to another location. The goal system may alsoinclude two or more wheel assemblies to facilitate movement of thesystem.

Advantageously, the poolside goal system may be constructed withrelative few components and it may be quickly and easily assembled. Inaddition, the poolside goal system may provide a relatively stationaryand secure structure. Desirably, the goal system may provide stablesupport for a basketball goal and/or a volleyball net. Further, the goalsystem may be quickly and easily moved from one location or anotherlocation.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments tofurther clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features ofthe present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depictonly preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended tolimits its scope. The invention will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a poolsidegoal system, illustrating the poolside goal system configured to playbasketball;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the poolside goal system shown inFIG. 1, illustrating the poolside goal system configured to support astructure such as a volleyball net;

FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of the poolside goal system shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a volleyball netassembly, the volleyball net assembly preferably being sized andconfigured to be attached to a poolside goal system;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the volleyball netassembly shown in FIG. 4, illustrating a line and a portion of the net;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of a portion of the volleyball netassembly shown in FIG. 4, illustrating a line and a portion of the net;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a volleyball net assembly;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aportion of a frame assembly that may be used in connection with apoolside goal system;

FIG. 8B is an enlarged, perspective view of the portion of the frameassembly shown in FIG. 8A, illustrating a pin removed from frameassembly;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a poolsidegoal system, illustrating a basketball goal assembly pivoting from afirst position to a second position;

FIG. 9B is another perspective view of the poolside goal system shown inFIG. 9A, illustrating the basketball goal assembly in the secondposition;

FIG. 9C is still another perspective view of the poolside goal systemshown in FIG. 9A, including a net assembly attached to the goal system;

FIG. 9D is yet another perspective view of the poolside goal systemshown in FIG. 9C, illustrating a force being applied to the net assemblyand the basketball goal assembly pivoting upwardly; and

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional side view of a portion of an exemplaryembodiment of a support member of a poolside goal system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is generally directed towards a poolside goalsystem. The principles of the present invention, however, are notlimited to a poolside goal system. It will be understood that, in lightof the present disclosure, the poolside goal system could be used inconnection with other suitable environments and situations. For example,the goal system does not have to be used with a swimming pool. Inaddition, the goal system could be used in connection with other typesof sports, sporting equipment, and the like.

Additionally, to assist in the description of the poolside goal system,words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left are used todescribe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, thatthe poolside goal system can be located in a variety of desiredpositions. It will also be appreciated that while the drawings arediagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments ofthe poolside goal system, the drawings should not be considered aslimiting the scope of the poolside goal system and the drawings are notnecessarily to scale.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, an exemplary embodiment of the poolsidegoal system 10 may include a base 12, a goal support 14, and abasketball goal assembly 16. Thus, this exemplary embodiment of thepoolside goal system may be used to play basketball. One of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that the poolside goal system 10 may besized and configured for other uses and to play other sports, such asvolleyball.

Preferably, the base 12 includes a body with a top, a bottom, a firstend, and a second end, but the base may other suitable configurations.The base 12 may also include a hollow interior portion and the base mayinclude one or more fill/drain openings in communication with thegenerally hollow interior portion of the base. The fill/drain openingsmay allow the base 12 to be filled with suitable ballast materials, suchas water or sand, which may help secure the poolside goal system 10 in adesired position. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more plugs 13 a, 13 b maybe used to seal the one or more fill/drain openings in the base 12.

The base 12 is preferably constructed from plastic, such aspolyethylene, and the base is preferably constructed from blow-moldedplastic. The base 12 could also be constructed from other suitable typeof plastic and other materials, and the base could also be formed usingother suitable methods such as injection molding, compression molding,rotary molding, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the base 12 can have various sizes and configurationsdepending, for example, upon the intended use of the goal system 10.

The poolside goal system 10 may include one or more braces that helpconnect the goal support 14 to the base 12. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3, braces 18 a, 18 b may be connected to the base 12using fasteners 20 a, 20 b, respectively. The braces 18 a, 18 b may beconnected to the goal support 14 by a fastener 22. In particular, inorder to secure the braces 18 a and 18 b to the goal support 14, thefastener 22 may be inserted through generally aligned holes formed inthe braces 18 a, 18 b and the goal support 14. In greater detail, asshown in FIG. 3, the braces 18 a, 18 b may include holes or openings 24a, 24 b respectively that are aligned with a pair of holes or openings26 in the goal support 14. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the goal support 14 could be connected to the base 12 inany suitable manner and using any suitable components. Accordingly,while braces 18 a, 18 b may be used to secure the goal support 14 to thebase 12, the braces are not required.

The poolside goal system 10 may include one or more anchor assemblies 28to help stabilize and/or restrict the movement of the poolside goalsystem 10. As shown in FIG. 3, an anchor assembly 28 may be located onopposing sides of the base and each anchor assembly may include ananchor 30 a, 30 b, respectively. The anchors 30 a, 30 b are preferablysized and configured to be attached to a support surface such as theground, swimming pool deck, or the like. Preferably, the anchorassemblies 28 are selectively attached to the support surface to allowthe poolside goal system 10 to be moved, if desired. The anchorassemblies 28, however, may be sized and configured to permanentlyattach the poolside goal system 10 in a fixed position.

In greater detail, the anchor assembles 28 may include anchors 30 a, 30b that are preferably sized and configured to be attached to a structuresuch as a cement floor. The anchor assemblies 28 may also include one ormore lines 32 a, 32 b (such as, chains, rope, cables, cords, and thelike) that are sized and configured to be attached to the anchors 30 aand 30 b. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more fasteners, such as bolts 34 a,34 b, may be used to connect the lines 32 a, 32 b to the anchors 30 a,30 b, respectively. Advantageously, the fasteners 20 a, 20 b, which areused to connect the braces 18 a, 18 b to the base 12, may also be usedto connect the lines 32 a, 32 b to the base. One of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that the anchor assemblies 28 may have othersuitable arrangements and configurations. In addition, although theaccompanying figures illustrate the poolside goal system 10 as includingtwo anchor assemblies 28, the goal system could have any suitable numberof anchor systems and the goal system does not require the use of theanchor system. Other exemplary embodiments of anchors and anchor systemsthat may be used in connection with the poolside goal system 10 areshown in Assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,734, entitled Ground-AnchoredBase for a Portable Basketball Goal Assembly, which issued on Aug. 17,2004, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The poolside goal system 10 may include one or more wheel assemblies 36to allow the poolside goal system to be conveniently moved from onedesired location to another desired location, which may make thepoolside goal system readily portable. As best seen in FIG. 3, thepoolside goal system 10 may include a wheel assembly 36 disposed nearthe front of the base 12 and proximate the goal support 14. The wheelassembly 36 may include two wheels 38 a, 38 b attached to an axle 40,but the wheel assembly could include any suitable number or type ofwheels, rollers, casters, sliders, and the like. The axle 40 may beinserted into one or more holes or openings 42 formed in goal support 14and the ends of the axle may be disposed within one or more openings orslots in the base 12. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the wheel assembly 36 may be connected to the base 12 and/or goalsupport 14 in accordance with other suitable configurations andarrangements. Further, the wheel assembly 36 may be movable or pivotalrelative to the base to allow, for example, the goal system 10 to bemore easily turned while being moved. Other exemplary embodiments ofwheel assemblies that may be used in connection with the goal system 10are disclosed in Assignee's U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,003, entitled AdjustableWheel Engagement Assembly for Basketball Goal Systems, which issued onAug. 13, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,065, entitled Wheel MountedAdjustable Roller Support Assembly for a Basketball Goal System, whichissued on Dec. 2, 2003; pending application Ser. No. 10/212,443,entitled Adjustable Wheel Engagement Assembly for Basketball GoalSystems, which was filed on Aug. 5, 2002; and pending application Ser.No. 10/648,174, entitled Wheel Mounted Adjustable Roller SupportAssembly for a Basketball Goal System, which was filed on Aug. 26, 2003.Each of these patents and applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties. While these wheel assemblies 36 may helpfacilitate movement of the poolside goal system 10, the poolside goalsystem does not require any wheels or wheel assembly.

As discussed above, the poolside goal system 10 is preferably used inconnection with the basketball goal assembly 16, which may include abackboard or rebound member 44 and a basketball rim or goal 46. Thebasketball rim 46 may have a break-away or movable configuration, butcould have a fixed configuration.

The backboard 44 is preferably constructed from plastic and ispreferably formed by blow-molding. The backboard 44 may include a hollowinterior portion that is formed during the blow-molding process.Advantageously, the generally hollow, blow-molded plastic backboard 44may be relatively lightweight, which may help reduce shipping costs andmay make it easier to assemble the goal system 10. The interior portionsof the backboard 44 may optionally be filled with materials, such asfoam, if desired. Of course, the backboard 44 need not be hollow and itcould be constructed from a variety of other materials having anydesired characteristic. In addition, the backboard 44 could beconstructed from other suitable materials and processes.

As shown in the accompanying figures, the backboard 44 may include oneor more depressions 48 that are formed on the rear surface of thebackboard. The depressions 48 are preferably sized and configured toincrease the strength and/or rigidity of the backboard 44.Advantageously, the depressions 48 may help create a backboard 44 withmore uniform characteristics, which may create a backboard that providesa more consistent rebound. The depressions 48 may extend from the rearsurface of the backboard 44 toward the front surface of the backboard.The depressions 48 may contact or engage the front surface of thebackboard 44, but the depressions may also be spaced from the frontsurface of the backboard. It will be appreciated that the backboard 44does not require any depressions.

The backboard 44 may include one or more bosses. For example, as shownin FIG. 3, the backboard may include bosses 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 d thatare preferably sized and configured to receive one or more screws,bolts, or other suitable fasteners. The bosses 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 dare preferably sized and located to facilitate attachment of thebackboard 44 to the goal system 10. Of course, the backboard 44 couldinclude any suitable number of bosses 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 d, includingzero, and the bosses could be in any desired locations.

The goal support 14 of the poolside goal system 10 may include one ormore posts or elongated support members. For example, as shown in FIGS.1, 2 and 3, the goal support 14 may include a first elongated supportmember 52 and a second elongated support member 54. The first supportmember 52 may be connected to the base 12 using any suitable means andin any suitable fashion, and the second support member 54 may beconnected to the basketball goal assembly 16 using any suitable meansand in any suitable fashion. The first and second support members 52, 54preferably comprise generally hollow tubes with a generally circularcross-section, but the support members need not be hollow and could havean oval, square, or other suitable configurations depending, forexample, upon the intended use or purpose of the goal support 14.

The first support member 52 is preferably movably coupled to the secondsupport member 54. For example, a portion of the second support member54 may be inserted into the first support member 52, and the secondsupport member may be rotated relative to the first support member. Thismay allow the second support member 54 to be positioned at any number ofsuitable locations relative to the first support member 52. In addition,this may allow the basketball goal assembly 16, which is connected tothe second support member 54, to be positioned at any number of suitablelocations relative to the first support member 52. For example, thesupport member 54 may be rotated or otherwise moved from a first, useposition (such as the position shown in FIG. 1) in which the basketballgoal assembly positioned for use and a second position (such as theposition shown in FIG. 2) in which the basketball goal assembly ispositioned away from the first position. Similarly, when desired, thesupport member 54 may be rotated or otherwise moved from the secondposition to the first position. Of course, the support member 54 and/orthe basketball goal assembly 16 may be positioned in any other desiredposition depending, for example, upon the intended purpose of thepoolside goal system 10.

Because the support member 54 and/or the basketball goal assembly 16 maybe positioned in a variety of positions, a user may position thebasketball goal assembly 16 for playing basketball and, when finishedplaying basketball, may reposition the basketball goal assembly 16 in aless obstructive position. This may also allow the goal system 10 to beused for purposes other than basketball. For example, as discussed inmore detail below, the poolside goal system 10 may also be configuredfor playing volleyball. It may be advantageous to move the basketballgoal assembly 16 to a position (such as, the position shown in FIG. 2)that will less likely interfere with the volleyball play or otheractivities.

The support members 52, 54 are preferably selectively locked in a fixedposition so that the support members do not inadvertently move relativeto each other. For example, the support member 52, 54 may include one ormore engaging members that are sized and configured to prevent, hinder,obstruct, lock or otherwise restrict the relative movement of thesupport members 52, 54. In particular, as best shown in FIG. 3, theengaging members may include a pair or grooves or notches 56 formed inthe lower portion of the second support member 54. The notches 56 arepreferably sized and configured to engage the fastener 22 such that thefastener is disposed within the notch. Thus, when the second supportmember 54 is inserted into the end of the first support member 52, thefastener 22 is preferably disposed within the notches 56 and thatprevents the second support member from rotating relative to the firstsupport member. To move the second support member 54 relative to thefirst support member 52, a user may lift the second support member suchthat the fastener 22 is no longer disposed within the notch 56. The usermay then rotate the second support member 54 relative to the firstsupport member 52 into a second position. The user can then insert theend of the second support member 54 into the first support member 52such that the fastener 22 is disposed within the notches 56 in adifferent orientation.

The first and second support members 52, 54 are preferably movablebetween a first position in which the basketball goal assembly 16 is ina first, use position and a second position in which the basketball goalassembly is positioned away from the first position. As shown in FIG. 1,the first, use position of the basketball goal assembly 16 may includethe basketball rim 46 disposed away from the base 12 to allow basketballto be played. The second position, as shown in FIG. 2, may include thebasketball rim 46 disposed towards the base 12 and the second positionmay be generally opposite the first position. One of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that the first and second support members 52, 54may have other suitable positions. One of ordinary skill in the art willalso appreciate that a variety of different types of engaging members(such as, protrusions, bumps, grooves, channels, edges, surfaces, andthe like) may be formed in the first support member 52 and/or secondsupport member 54, and the engaging members may be used to restrict themovement of the support members 52, 54 in any suitable fashion. It willalso be appreciated that the engaging members may be integrally formedas part of a support member or could be connected to a support member.

Advantageously, the engaging members may help avoid misalignment of thesupport members 52, 54. The engaging members may also facilitateassembly and/or use of the goal system 10. Additionally, the engagingmembers may facilitate use of the goal system 10. For example, abasketball player might inadvertently contact or intentionally hang onthe basketball rim 46 and that could twist the support member 54 and thebasketball goal assembly 16 to a position unsuitable for play. If thisoccurs, play must be halted while the basketball goal assembly 16 isbeing located in the proper position. Thus, the engaging members mayrestrict the movement of the basketball goal assembly 16 and may helpavoid unintentional misalignment of the basketball goal assembly. Itwill be appreciated, however, that engaging members are not required andthe support members 52, 54 could be connected in any suitable fashion.Further, the goal support 14 could include a unitary, one-piece supportstructure, if desired.

A bushing 58 may be positioned between the first and second supportmembers 52, 54. In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, at least a portion ofthe bushing 58 may contact the upper end of the first support member 52and at least a portion of the bushing may contact the second supportmember 54. The bushing 58 may be sized and configured to facilitateconnection of the first and second support members 52, 54, and thebushing may help position the first and second support members in thedesired locations. The bushing 58 may be constructed of a compressiblematerial, which may be used, for example, to provide a compression fitbetween the first and second support members 52, 54. Thus, for example,the second support member 54 may compress at least a portion of thebushing 58 into the inner wall of the first support member 52. Thesecond support member 54 may also have one, two or more portions thatare sized and configured to compress at least a portion of bushing 58.The compression fit may advantageously help restrict the relativemovement of the first and second support members 52, 54, which may helpprevent unintentional movement of the basketball goal assembly 16. Inaddition, the bushing 58 may provide a bearing surface between the firstand second support members 52, 54. For instance, if the bushing 58 isnot used, the first and second support members 52, 54 could rub againsteach other as they are rotated, which could wear down or damage thesupport members. Thus, the bushing 58 may advantageously reduce the wearand deterioration that could occur when the first and second supportmembers are in contact. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat other suitable types of bushing 58 and other similar structurescould be positioned between the first and second support members 52, 54,but the poolside goal system 10 does not require any bushings.

A frame assembly 60 is preferably used to connect the goal support 14and the basketball goal assembly 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, theframe assembly 60 may include a frame 62 with one or more support arms,such as, support arms 64 a, 64 b. The frame 62 is preferably connectedto the goal support 14 by fasteners such as bolts 66 a, 66 b. Inparticular, the support arms 64 a, 64 b may include holes or openings 68a, 68 b, respectively, and these openings may be generally aligned withcorresponding holes or openings 70 in the second support member 54 ofthe goal support 14. Accordingly, the fastener 66 a may be insertedthrough the openings 68 a, 68 b and 70 to attach the support arms 64 a,64 b to the second support member 54. Similarly, the support arms 64 a,64 b may include holes or openings 72 a, 72 b, respectively, and theseopenings may be generally aligned with corresponding holes or openings74 in the second support member 54. Accordingly, the fastener 66 b maybe inserted through the openings 72 a, 72 b and 74 to attach the supportarms 64 a, 64 b to the second support member. Thus, the fasteners 66 aand 66 b may be used to connect the support member 54 and the frame 62.It will be appreciated, however, that the frame 62 may have othersuitable configurations depending, for example, upon the size andconfiguration of the backboard 44 and/or the support member 14; and theframe can be attached to the be connected to the goal support 14 inother suitable manners and using other suitable devices or means.

The frame 62 is also connected to the basketball goal assembly 16. Forexample, the support arms 64 a and 64 b of the frame 62 may have one ormore openings that are sized, positioned and configured to align withone or more bosses formed in the backboard 44, such as the bosses 50 a,50 b, 50 c, and 50 d. One or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts orthe like, may be inserted into the openings in the support arms 64 a and64 b and engage the bosses 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, and 50 d to attach theframe 62 to the backboard 44. It will be appreciated that the frame 62may be connected to the basketball goal assembly 16 in other suitablemanners and using other suitable devices or means.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the poolside goal system 10 may include a netassembly 76 that allows a net, such as a volleyball net 78, to beattached to the goal system. The volleyball net 78 may be aboutthirty-nine (39) inches wide and about thirty-two (32) feet long and maybe constructed of square mesh; however, the volleyball net 78 could haveany other suitable dimensions and/or construction depending, forexample, upon the intended use of the goal system 10. The volleyball net78 may include one or more sleeve members 80 that extend along all or aportion of length of the volleyball net 78. The sleeve member 80 ispreferably disposed proximate the top and/or bottom portions of thevolleyball net, but the sleeve member may also be located in othersuitable locations. In greater detail, a first sleeve member may bedisposed proximate to the top of the volleyball net 78 and a secondsleeve member may be disposed proximate to the bottom of the volleyballnet 78. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anysuitable type and/or configuration of net may be used with the goalsystem 10.

The net assembly 76 may include one or more strap members that are sizedand configured to suspend the volleyball net 78 at a desired heightand/or to provide a desired tension in the volleyball net 78. Forexample, at least a portion of a strap member 82 may be inserted throughat least a portion of the sleeve member 80 and may be used to suspendthe volleyball net 78 at any desired height. It will be appreciated thatone or both ends of the strap member 82 may each be connected to aportion of a poolside goal system 10, such as the goal support 14, orother suitable support structure.

In greater detail, a first poolside goal system may be positionedproximate a first side of the pool and a second poolside goal system maybe positioned proximate a second side of the pool. One end of the strapmember 82 may be connected to the first poolside goal system and theother end of the strap member may be connected to the second poolsidegoal system. One or both ends of the strap member 82 could also beconnected to other suitable structures. In addition, a single poolsidegoal system may be positioned on one side of the pool and one end of thestrap may be connected to the goal system while the other end of thestrap may be connected to another suitable structure.

The volleyball net 78 may be slidably or otherwise movably coupled tothe strap member 82. For example, with the strap member 82 inserted intothe sleeve member 80 and the ends of the strap member connected to oneor more support structures, such as the poolside goal system 10, thevolleyball net 78 may be slid into a desired position. The volleyballnet 78, however, does not have to be slidably or otherwise movablycoupled to the strap member 82.

The strap member 82 may be constructed from a nylon webbing and may havea width of at least about one (1) inch; however, the strap member couldbe constructed of other suitable materials and could have other suitabledimensions. Of course, the volleyball net assembly 76 does not requirethe strap members 82 and other suitable devices could be used toposition the volleyball net 78.

The net assembly 76 may include one or more lines that are sized andconfigured to suspend the volleyball net 78 at a desired height and/orto provide a desired tension in the volleyball net 78. For example, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower portions of the volleyball net 78 mayinclude rings 84 a, 84 b through which lines 86 a, 86 b may beconnected. Of course, the lines 86 a, 86 b could be connected to thevolleyball net 78 in any suitable manner.

It will be appreciated that the net assembly 76 may be connected to apoolside goal system 10 or other suitable support structure in a varietyof fashions. For example, as discussed above, the net assembly 76 mayinclude one or more strap members 82 and the strap members may beconnected to the support member 14. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, aclip or bracket 88 a may be connected to the second support member 54 bya fastener 90 and the strap member 82 may be inserted through the clip.The clip 88 a is preferably pivotally or otherwise movably connected tothe fastener 90 so that the clip may pivot or move about a joint 92. Thenet assembly 76 may also include a buckle 94 that is attached to thestrap member 82 and the buckle may be used to adjust the length and/ortension of the strap member 82. Advantageously, the strap member 82,buckle 94 and the clip 88 a may allow the net to be quickly and easilyattached to the goal system 10. Additionally, as best seen in FIGS. 2and 3, the lines 86 a, 86 b may be connected to a clip 88 b that isconnected to the goal system 10. The clip 88 b, for example, may beconnected to the wheel assembly 36. In particular, the clip 88 b may beconnected to the axle 40 of the wheel assembly by a fastener. Of course,the net assembly 76 could have other suitable arrangements andconfigurations depending, for example, upon the size and configurationof the goal system 10 and/or net 78. Further, while the straps 82, lines86 a, 86 b, clips 88 a, 88 b, buckles 94 may be used to connected thenet 78 to the poolside goal system 10, the goal system does not requirethe use of any or all of these various components.

It will be appreciated that these and other aspects of the net assembly76 are not limited to poolside goal systems or volleyball systems. Forexample, the net assembly 76 may be used to construct a volleyballsystem to play outdoors (such as on grass, concrete, asphalt, or sandcourts) or indoors (such as on hardwood or sport courts). Also, as anexample, the net assembly 76 may be used to construct a badminton systemor other sporting systems that may use a net. Indeed, it will beappreciated that these and other aspects of the net assembly 76 may beused in a variety of contexts other than poolside systems and used for avariety of sports other than volleyball.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspectives view of an exemplary embodiment of aportion of a frame 162 that be used to connect a goal support to abasketball goal assembly. The frame 162 may include one or more supportarms, such as support arms 164 a and 164 b, and the frame 162 may beconnected to an elongated support member 154 of a goal support 114 asshown in FIG. 9A. The frame 162 may be connected to the goal support 114by one or more fasteners 166 a, 166 b, such bolts, nuts, pins, screwsand the like.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the support arms 164 a, 164 b may include afirst set of one or more holes or openings, which may be generallyaligned with one or more corresponding holes or openings in the supportmember 154 of the goal support 114. The fastener 166 a may be insertedthrough the opening in the support arm 164 b, through the correspondingopenings in the support member 154 and through the opening the supportarm 164 a.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the support arms 164 a, 164 b may include asecond set of one or more holes or openings, which may be generallyaligned with one or more corresponding holes or openings in the supportmember 154 of the goal support 114. The fastener 166 b may be insertedthrough the opening in the support arm 164 b, through the correspondingopenings in the support member 154, and through the opening the supportarm 164 a.

Thus, the fasteners 166 a and 166 b may be used to connect the supportmember 154 and the frame 162. However, it will be appreciated that theframe 162 may be connected to the goal support 114 in any suitablemanner and using other suitable devices or means.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the frame 162 may be connected to thebasketball goal assembly 116 and the basketball goal assembly mayinclude a basketball backboard 144 and a rim 146. Preferably, thesupport arms 164 a, 164 b of the frame 162 includes one or more openingsthat are sized, positioned and configured to be aligned with one or morebosses formed in the backboard 144. This may allow one or morefasteners, such screws or bolts, to be inserted through the openings inthe support arms 164 a, 164 b and the fasteners may engage the bosses tosecure the frame 162 to the backboard 144. It will be appreciated thatthe frame 162 may be connected to the basketball goal assembly 116 inany suitable manner.

The frame 162 may be pivotally or otherwise movable relative to thesupport member 154 to allow the basketball goal assembly 116 to be movedinto different positions. For example, the basketball goal assembly 116and/or the frame 162 may be pivoted or otherwise moved between a firstposition (such as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B) in which the basketball goalassembly is positioned for use and a second position (such as theposition shown in FIG. 9B) in which the basketball goal assembly ispositioned away from the first position. Desirably, the basketball goalassembly 116 is positioned such that the backboard is generallyperpendicular to the ground, the rim is generally parallel to theground, and the rim is positioned away from the base in the firstposition. This first position allows basketball to be played. In orderto move the basketball goal assembly 116 into the second position, thebasketball goal assembly may be pivoted about the top portion of thesecond support member 154 so that the front face of the backboard andrim are now generally disposed towards the base. Thus, the basketballgoal assembly 116 and/or the frame 162 may be positioned in a pair ofgenerally opposing positions (such as facing about 180 degrees from theother). Of course, the basketball goal assembly 116 and/or the frame 162may be positioned in other desired positions depending, for example,upon the intended purpose of the poolside goal system.

Advantageously, because the basketball goal assembly 116 and/or theframe 162 may be positioned in a variety of positions, a user mayposition the basketball goal assembly 116 for playing basketball and mayreposition the basketball goal assembly 116 in a less obstructiveposition when finished playing basketball. In addition, the user mayposition the basketball goal assembly 116 in a different position sothat the goal system 110 may be used for different purposes. Forexample, the goal system 110 may be configured for playing differentgames or sports such as volleyball. Thus, the basketball goal assembly116 may be moved so that it is less likely to interfere with playingvolleyball such as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C.

In greater detail, as shown in FIG. 9A, the poolside goal system 110 mayinclude a basketball goal assembly 116 and the rim 146 and front face ofthe backboard 144 may be disposed away from the base 112 to allowbasketball to be played. The basketball goal assembly 116 may be pivotedfrom this first, use position to the second position shown in FIGS. 9B.As shown in FIG. 9B, the rim 146 and the front face of the backboard 144are now disposed towards the base 112 in the second position. When thebasketball goal assembly 116 is in the second position, the goal system110 may be used for other purposes, such as supporting a net. As shownin FIG. 9C, a net assembly 176 may be attached to allow games such asvolleyball to be played.

Advantageously, the net assembly 176 and the basketball goal assembly116 may be configured to interact or work together. For example, thebasketball goal assembly 116 may be configured to counterbalance forcesapplied to the net assembly 176. For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, thenet assembly 176 may include a volleyball net 178 and a strap member182, and the strap member may be directly or indirectly connected to thebasketball goal assembly 116. In particular, the strap member 182 may beconnected to a portion of the frame assembly, such as the frame 162 orthe fastener 166 b, which is connected to the basketball goal assembly116. When a force is applied to the net 178, as shown in FIG. 9D, theforce may be transmitted to the strap member 182. The force on the strapmember 182 may be used to move the basketball goal assembly 116 from thesecond position towards the first position. Accordingly, as shown in theaccompanying figures, the basketball goal assembly 116 may pivotupwardly and forwardly, as shown in FIG. 9D, to counterbalance the forceapplied to the net assembly 176. It will be appreciated that springs andother devices could be used to counterbalance forces applied to the netassembly 176.

Accordingly, the basketball goal assembly 116 may be configured toabsorb forces applied to the net assembly 176. This may help avoiddamage or breaking of the net assembly 176, net 178 and/or the strapmember 182. Further, this may help to avoid portions of the poolsidegoal system 110 from being misaligned or toppled. For example, avolleyball player might inadvertently contact or intentionally strikethe net 178, which could move the goal system 110 to be moved from itsdesired location. However, because the basketball goal assembly 116 maybe used to counterbalance and/or absorb forces applied to the net 178,that may prevent the goal system 110 from being unintentionally moved.

As discussed above, the poolside goal system 10, 110 may include asupport structure 14 that include one or more support members, such as afirst support member 52, 154 and a second support member 54. The supportmembers 52, 54, 154 may be constructed from metal tubes that have agenerally circular cross section. The support members 52, 54, 154 mayalso have other suitable shapes and configuration depending, forexample, upon the intended use of the goal system 10, 110.

In addition, as discussed above, a bushing 58 may be positioned betweenand may be used to connect the support members, such as the first andsecond support members 52, 54. The bushing may be constructed of acompressible material to provide a compression fit between the supportmembers. For example, when the support members 52, 54 are connected, thebushing 58 may be compressed between the first and second supportmembers. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10, the support member 54 mayhave one or more flared portions 198 a, 198 b that are sized andconfigured to compress at least a portion of bushing 56. Of course, thesecond support member 54 may compress at least a portion of the bushing58 with structures other than the flared portions 198 a, 198 b, and thesupport member 54 does not require any flared portions. Further, thesupport member 54 does not have to compress the bushing 58 and anysuitable type of bushing may be used to connect or may be positionedbetween the support members. It will be appreciated, however, that thebushing 58 is not required.

One skilled in the art will also appreciate that although the exemplaryembodiments discussed above have been described with respect to poolsidegoal systems, these aspects and features may also be used in connectionwith other types of sporting equipment and for sports other thanbasketball and volleyball.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferredembodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, thescope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claimswhich follow.

1. A poolside goal system comprising: a goal support including at leastone elongated support member; and a basketball goal assembly including abackboard and a rim, the basketball goal assembly being pivotallyconnected to an upper portion of the goal support, the basketball goalassembly being movable between a first position in which the basketballgoal assembly can be used for playing basketball and a second positionin which the basketball goal assembly is pivoted about the upper portionof the goal support in an at least partially downward direction from thefirst position to the second position.
 2. The poolside goal system as inclaim 1, wherein the backboard and the rim face a first direction in thefirst position, and the backboard and the rim face a generally oppositedirection in the second position.
 3. The poolside goal system as inclaim 1, further comprising a net assembly at least partially connectedto the basketball goal assembly, the basketball goal assembly beingsized and configured to counterbalance a force applied to the netassembly.
 4. The poolside goal system as in claim 1, further comprisinga net assembly at least partially connected to the basketball goalassembly, the basketball goal assembly being sized and configured tomove from the second position toward the first position when a force isapplied to the net assembly.
 5. The poolside goal system as in claim 1,further comprising a net assembly at least partially connected to thebasketball goal assembly; and means for counterbalancing a force appliedto the net assembly.
 6. A poolside goal system comprising: a base; abasketball goal assembly including a backboard and a rim disposed near afront face of the backboard; and a support structure including a firstsupport member connected to the base and a second support memberconnected to the basketball goal assembly, the first support member andthe second support member including a first position in which the frontface of the backboard and rim are generally disposed away from the baseand a second position in which the rim is disposed towards the base. 7.The poolside goal system as in claim 6, further comprising an alignmentmechanism that facilitates connection of the first support member andthe second support member in the first position, and facilitatesconnection of the first support member and the second support member inthe second position.
 8. The poolside goal systems as in claim 6, furthercomprising a bushing positioned between at least a portion of the firstsupport member and at least a portion of the second support member. 9.The poolside goal system as in claim 6, further comprising a bushingconstructed of a compressible material adapted to secure the secondsupport member in a position relative to the first support member. 10.The poolside goal system as in claim 9, wherein the bushing is sized andconfigured to guide the second support member to a position relative tothe first support member.
 11. The poolside goal system as in claim 9,wherein second support member includes one or more flared portionsadapted to compress at least a portion of the bushing.
 12. A poolsidegoal system comprising: a base; a basketball goal assembly including abackboard and a rim; a goal support including a first support memberconnected to the base and a second support member connected to thebasketball goal assembly; and one or more engaging members integrallyformed in the goal support, the engaging members being sized andconfigured to releasably connect the first support member and the secondsupport member.
 13. The poolside goal system as in claim 12, wherein theone or more engaging members include one or more notches.
 14. Thepoolside goal system as in claim 12, wherein the one or more engagingmembers are sized and configured to releasably secure the second supportmember in a plurality of positions relative to the first support member.15. The poolside goal system as in claim 12, wherein the one or moreengaging members are sized and configured to secure the second supportmember in a first rotational position relative to the first supportmember and to secure the second support member in a second rotationalposition relative to the first support member.
 16. A goal systemcomprising: a first support structure including a base, a supportstructure and a basketball goal assembly, the support structureincluding a first support member connected to the base and a secondsupport member connected to the basketball goal assembly, the basketballgoal assembly being movable between a first position in which basketballis capable of being played and a second position; a second supportstructure including a base, a support structure and a basketball goalassembly, the support structure including a first support memberconnected to the base and a second support member connected to thebasketball goal assembly, the basketball goal assembly being movablebetween a first position in which basketball is capable of being playedand a second position; and a net assembly connected to the first supportstructure and connected to the second support structure, the netassembly including a net and at least one line connecting the net to atleast one of the support structures.
 17. The poolside goal system as inclaim 16, wherein the basketball goal assembly including a backboard anda rim; and wherein the backboard and the rim face a first direction whenthe basketball goal assembly is in the first position, and the backboardand the rim face a generally opposite direction when the basketball goalassembly is in the second position.
 18. The poolside goal system as inclaim 16, wherein the net assembly is at least partially connected tothe basketball goal assembly of the first support structure and thesecond support structure, the basketball goal assembly of the firstsupport structure and the basketball goal assembly of the second supportstructure being sized and configured to counterbalance a force appliedto the net assembly.
 19. The poolside goal system as in claim 16,wherein the net assembly is at least partially connected to thebasketball goal assembly of the first support structure and the secondsupport structure, the basketball goal assembly of the first supportstructure and the second support structure being sized and configured tomove from the second position toward the first position when a force isapplied to the net assembly.